a.bar

"Right on Rittenhouse Square, the people-watching doesn’t get any better than at a.bar, from hotel chain AKA and Ellen Yin’s High Street Hospitality Group. But besides the sunny corner spot, the drinks are inventive and well made, making it a favorite late-night spot for industry folks." - Annemarie Dooling, Ernest Owens

"For wine lovers, a.bar is a destination. a.kitchen+bar was named a 2024 James Beard Award semifinalist for Outstanding Wine and Other Beverages Program. The Rittenhouse bar is modern in both the decor and the menu, serving up innovative cocktails and featuring outstanding new organic and natural wines by winemakers making waves in the industry. The award-winning brand recently expanded to D.C." - Tierney Plumb, Ernest Owens

"A.bar in Rittenhouse has one of the most extensive wine lists in the city. That means choosing picking something to drink here is like choosing from an entire wine store. If you're overwhelmed, ask the servers—especially the new bottles they’re particularly excited about. A.bar is walk-in only, but you can usually wiggle your way into a bar seat if you have a few ounces of patience in you." - alison kessler

"The bartenders of a.bar is all about simplicity with a bold twist. Here, their “Aper’tiki’ Spritz” is made with Aperol, prosecco, and a Palo Cortado sherry — unforgettable in a glass." - Ernest Owens

"a.bar nails the great cocktail bar trifecta: it’s dark, it’s not a dive nor is it fancy, and the bar takes up the entire room. You’ll always find the Rittenhouse spot packed with people drowning out their weekly deadlines in mezcal and Japanese whiskey blended drinks. There are 15 signature options on the menu, but they do the classics just as well.  Stop in before date night at a.kitchen or anywhere else nearby. Or meet up with a small group, pass around some bamboo cocktails, and toast to the weekend—or hitting that deadline on time. " - candis mclean